Following the spiralling incidences of food poisoning of schoolchildren nationwide, some Mpumalanga leaders are declaring war on businesses selling unsafe food in a quest to stop the outbreak of foodborne illnesses.

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the matter on Friday, November 15. In a speech, he said since the beginning of September, there have been a total of 890 reported incidents of foodborne illnesses across all provinces. “Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have been the most affected. Limpopo, the Free State and Mpumalanga have also recorded dozens of incidents. Over the past few weeks alone, foodborne illnesses have claimed the lives of at least 22 of our nation’s children. All spaza shops and other food-handling facilities must be registered in the municipalities in which they operate, within 21 days from today. Any shop that is not registered within that time or does not meet all health standards and requirements, will be closed.”

In Mpumalanga, more than 50 learners from three schools were rushed to various hospitals after complaining of stomach cramps and vomiting, allegedly after having eaten mostly snacks bought from shops owned by foreign nationals.

On that Friday, the MEC for economic development and tourism, Makhosazane Masilela, led members of the police, the national Department of Small Business Development, Sars customs officials and traffic officers in a raid on various shops along the Ekukhanyeni Centre near the bus rank in the Mbombela CBD. A total of 21 shops were inspected. Four of them were closed due to non-compliance. Expired goods were confiscated in a number of shops. One restaurant was closed for selling liquor without a liquor licence, and one person was arrested for dealing in dagga. Additionally, nine foreign nationals were arrested for being in the country illegally.

ALSO READ: 24 learners in Matsulu sick with alleged food poisoning

In one of the shops, Masilela had to physically climb a ladder to reach a makeshift loft where the shop owners had hidden some expired foodstuffs. She was accompanied by the department’s HOD, Immy Serakalala, the chief director, Brenda Mabaso, and the chief of staff in the office of the MEC, Morris Khoza.”We are now intensifying our unannounced inspections of all business premises, particularly those selling foodstuffs. We are checking compliance with all applicable laws and their licence conditions. Those found to be in the wrong will be dealt with harshly. I and four other MECs have been mandated by the executive council to lead such inspections, working with our municipalities, law enforcement agencies, the police, the Department of Home Affairs and Sars, among many other stakeholders,” Masilela said.

“The executive council has established an interdepartmental committee to co-ordinate and lead inspections of, among others, spaza shops, to determine compliance to regulations and hygiene protocols when handling food. The committee is chaired by the MEC for health, Sasekani Manzini, and its other members are the MEC for education, Cathy Dlamini, the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, the MEC for co-operative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs, Speed Mashilo, and myself.”

ALSO READ: 21 learners in Nkangala released from hospital following suspected food poisoning

Meanwhile, three shops, a spaza shop and two wholesalers located in the eMalahleni CBD felt the pinch of an unexpected inspection November 15 by Manzini and the eMalahleni Local Municipality’s executive mayor, Vusi Nhlapho. Several violations were identified, including unlabelled, expired and improperly stored food items. The products were confiscated and shops with without valid licences were closed. A bottle store in a spaza shop was closed for non-compliance with licensing conditions and mixing trades.

Manzini said: “The health and safety of our communities remain our top priority. Business owners must comply with food safety regulations and consumers must be vigilant of food labels and expiry dates. We can prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure a healthier public.”
She also committed to regular inspections and strict enforcement of regulations.